Bessbrook says thank you

Bessbrook District LOL No 11 has thanked Orangemen, bands and members of the public who helped to make Monday’s ‘Twelfth’ demonstration such a big success.

“Despite the wet weather in the early morning, it was the biggest turn-out at a Twelfth demonstration in Bessbrook village in living memory and, by all accounts, it was a very enjoyable day for the large influx of visitors,” said District Secretary Billy Kennedy.

“We are fully appreciative of the way the lodges and bands and public co-operated with our team of marshals at the parade, and at the bus dropping off points and in our various car parks on the outer reaches which we filled to capacity.

“The Co Armagh ‘Twelfth’ parade is now the largest in Northern Ireland and reliable estimates confirm that at least 20,000 people were in our village making it a huge event for local people.

“The larger districts of Portadown, Loughgall, Tandragee and Lurgan made a big impression in the 10,000-strong parade, as did the South Armagh districts of Keady, Newtownhamilton and Markethill.”

“Orangeism remains in good shape in Co Armagh and we look forward to next year’s Twelfth in Portadown.”